Accessible Test

O&M for Wheelchair Users

(Continued)
Purpose

To provide an electronic book with videos for COMS who work with individuals who have visual impairment in addition to being wheelchair users.

Project Staff

Tristan Pierce, Project Leader

Monica Vaught, Research Assistant

Scott Crawford, Consultant and Author

Background

This product was identified by the Multiple Disabilities Focus Group. It was rated the ninth greatest need of 48 recommended products with a score of 4.15 (on a scale of 1-5) on the Multiple Disabilities Survey (2001). On a follow-up survey conducted at the 2006 Annual Meeting, it was rated the second greatest need receiving 12 points. (Note that the product rated of greatest need received 15 points.) The target group is COMS working with children of all age levels and adults.

Work during FY 2009

Manual was written and edited. The majority of video was taken.

Work planned for FY 2010

Remaining video will be taken and voice over added. Field testing will be done.

SAM: Symbols and Meaning

(Continued)
Purpose

To provide a program to help build the conceptual foundation for successful symbol use including words, objects, tactual symbols, pictures, and graphics for learners with visual impairment and multiple impairments.

Project Staff

Tristan Pierce, Project Leader

Rosanne Hoffmann, Research Assistant

Millie Smith, Consultant and Author

J.C. Greeley, Contributing Writer

Linda Hagood, Contributing Writer

Zoe Morgese, Contributing Writing

Jennifer Stocker, Contributing Writer

David McGee, Manufacturing Specialist

Frank Hayden, Technical Research Division Manager

Background

This is the continuing revision and replacement of the modalities of the Sensory Stimulation Kit (discontinued). This kit is being designed to complete the communication/intervention continuum that APH has created by the sequential use of the Sensory Learning Kit, SAM: Symbols and Meaning, and Tactile Connections: Symbols for Communication.

Work during FY 2009

Field testing was from August 2008 to May 2009. Twenty-four videos were filmed using SAM games.

Work planned for FY 2010

Revisions from field testing will be made. Final video editing and lead-in explanations of each video will be scripted and filmed.

Physical Fitness

Jump Rope to Fitness

(Completed)
Purpose

To create a product that is fun and easy-to-learn for an individual who is blind to exercise independently and safely.

Project Staff

Tristan Pierce, Project Leader

Lauren Lieberman, Author

Haley Schedlin, Author

Monica Vaught, Research Assistant

David McGee, Manufacturing Specialist

Frank Hayden, Technical Research Division Manager
Background

Through APH funded research at sports camps, the need for teens to participate in good cardiovascular activities was reinforced. Jumping rope is an activity that can be enjoyed with peers or independently, it is light weight so it travels well on business trips; and by using an anti shock mat, a defined area is established to prevent migration and possible accidents from happening.

Work during FY 2009

The manual was printed and embossed, the kit assembled, and made available for sale.

PE Web Site

(Continued)
Purpose

To provide individuals with visual impairments and blindness, parents, and teachers with a resource list that promotes health, physical education, and recreation.

Project Staff

Tristan Pierce, Project Leader

Inge Formenti, Librarian

Ann Travis, Research Assistant

Monica Vaught, Research Assistant

John Aicken, Assistant Director of Research

Background

APH funded a 3-year study on parent-child physical activity intervention among families of children with visual impairments. During year three of the study, APH produced a resource manual for the participating families. Upon completion of the study, it was recommended that APH make the information available on its website. The original resource manual was updated and made available on the APH Web site. Viewers can navigate between PE programs, organizations, articles, books, equipment, events, magazines, mailing lists, national services, regional and state services, sport camps, switches, toys and games, and websites. This is a live document; viewers can submit items to be reviewed for placement on the web site: http://www.aph.org/pe/index.html

Work during FY 2009

The project leader continued to monitor the site, solicited and reviewed submissions, and requested article permissions. One new feature presentation was added to the site. The article section was reviewed and updated. The 2009 sport camps were listed.

Work planned for FY 2010

The project leader will continue to monitor the site, solicit and review submissions, and request article permissions.

Physical Health and Education Projects and Needs

(Continued)
Purpose

To research, identify, and develop products that promote physical activities, good health practices, social interactions, and self-advocacy.

Project Staff

Tristan Pierce, Project Leader

Background

APH recognized the need and began developing products and funding university research in the area of physical activity in relation to students who have visual impairments, blindness, and deafblindness. The positive feedback from the field prompted a new designation in the budget for Health and Physical Education.

Work during FY 2009

The Project Leader completed the Portable Sound Source, Sport Edition; the Sound Localization Guidebook, the Jump Rope to Fitness kit, and the 30-Love: Tennis Guidelines for Players with Visual Impairments and Blindness kit. The Project Leader co-authored an article published in the Journal of Visual Impairment and Blindness.

Work planned for FY 2010

The Project Leader will present on a panel session at the 2010 convention for the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance. Work will continue on Games for People With Sensory Impairments. Work will begin on a new storybook to introduce young children to sports and physical fitness.